By Ensign Christopher Weis
Provincial Reconstruction Team Khost Public Affairs
GORBUZ, Afghanistan -- Deputy Governor of Khost province Ajab Khan Sangin and Cmdr. David Adams, commanding officer of Provincial Reconstruction Team Khost, re-opened the Shamal Bridge after major structural repairs and the complete replacement of several spans. The repairs were badly needed after last fall's flooding caused the 15-year-old bridge to collapse, blocking a major traffic route.
"I thank all who have helped with the construction of this bridge. The bridge is not just for Gorbuz, but for all of Afghanistan," Hafizullah Jan, a local tribal elder, said in his speech during the ceremony.
The 367-foot bridge carries more than 1,000 vehicles across the river each day, according to Khost Province Public Works for director Mamoor Shah, making the bridge one of the most important commerce routes for the district.